After an inexplicable loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were left visibly frustrated with the result. None more so than Mike Evans.
This was also Evans’ first game back with a broken clavicle, which makes his responses that much more painful to Bucs fans. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Evans was left so disgusted by the Bucs loss, he left the field before the game winning kick for the Falcons even went through the uprights.
Evans’ Frustration Highlights a Team Spiraling Out of Control
This reaction is perhaps entirely understandable as the Bucs have completely collapsed in terms of their chances to push for a playoff spot. After starting the year 6-1, with Baker Mayfield playing at an elite level, they are now at 7-7, with the pesky Panthers now in their path for a playoff place.
It seems as if either Todd Bowles has completely lost the locker room, as potentially evidenced by his ferocious tirade in his postgame comments, or the players have just lost all focus. Evans’ reaction may have proved both points.
Furthermore, as Evans walked down the tunnel, he was saying, “It was 3rd and 28” multiple times, referring to the down and distance the Falcons were in on their game winning drive. While the Falcons didn’t convert that third down, they converted on fourth and that’s what tipped Evans over the edge.
For some Bucs fans, they will feel that Evans has every right to be frustrated with the result. After all, he has worked so hard to come back from injury and be with the team in this critical stretch. He even finished with six catches for 132 yards and took a massive hit to the collarbone to boot. Still, this act lends itself to something deeper for Evans.
What Evans’ Reaction Means for His Future — and the Bucs’ Direction
Throughout his illustrious career, Evans has seemingly done everything to help the Bucs, no matter what has happened with him on and off the field. This level of frustration though adds a potential sense of finality to Evans’ career with the Bucs. The fact that Evans feels that way leaves every aspect of the Bucs franchise up in the air.
No one would blame Evans if he retired. It could be the way he leaves that could be ugly. If the Bucs don’t start winning over the next four weeks and potentially lose both their games to the Panthers, who knows how much unrest the franchise will be in?
Now, there is no excuse for the Bucs. Some will chalk it up to injuries, but this team has proven in the past they they can battle through them. This team however, doesn’t seem to have any sense of identity and in a late season swoon, don’t seem to be going down with any fight. Whether it be Bowles’ expletive ridden postgame rant or Baker Mayfield’s clear cut and blunt messages after the Bucs’ consecutive losses, this does not look like or sound like a playoff team.
Mike Evans‘ walk off was simply the cherry on top of an abysmal Bucs downslide.
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